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Things to do for free in Faro

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Friday, 16 August 2013 02:54

Times are hard for many families in the UK at the moment, but that doesn’t mean people have to abandon their plans to take a holiday in one of Europe’s many sun-kissed destinations this year.

One place that is ideal for Britons on a budget is the Algarve, which has an abundance of fun activities that will not cost the earth. Monarch offers an array of cheap flights to Faro, so getting to the south of Portugal is no problem at all, but what can you expect when you arrive?

Free and easy on the beach

Aside from the stunning weather and friendly locals, Faro has plenty of beaches for visitors to enjoy. In fact, the city boasts some of the finest stretches of coastline in Portugal, including the wonderful Praia de Faro, which is simply beautiful in the summer months.

The beach is renowned for its watersports, although these may not appeal to holidaymakers who are trying to keep a firm grip on their euros. If that is the case, why not just lie back and relax under the beaming Portuguese sun as the waves gently roll towards the shore?

You could also bask in the spectacular view from one of the many beachside cafes that are dotted along Praia de Faro with a drink in your hand – an excellent and inexpensive way to unwind.

Explore Faro’s rich history

It is always a bonus when a holiday destination has a rich and intriguing history to explore, especially if you are looking for free things to do. While there are some attractions in Faro that charge a small entrance fee, such as the Igreja do Carmo Church, there are many more that you can access for nothing.

The Cidade Velha area is definitely worth exploring, as it boasts a multitude of striking Moorish buildings. These tend to be painted in bright colours and usually have distinctive ornate features. The gorgeous Faro Cathedral – or Se de Faro – is one of many historic buildings that will catch the eye as you stroll around the city’s cobbled streets.

If you are able to travel out of the metropolis, it is definitely a good idea to scour the Roman ruins in Milreu. These are just a few kilometres from Faro and are a must for any history enthusiast who has an interest in Roman architecture.

Take in one of Faro’s free museums

It is worth checking to see which of Faro’s superb museums will let you in free of charge. One that stands out in particular is the Maritime Museum, which can be found on the Capitania de Port de Faro. Here you will find an extensive collection of scale models of sailing boats and naval ships, as well as exhibits that follow the evolution of fishing techniques in the area.

Although the complex appears small from the outside, it is surprisingly large once you get in there. It is the perfect way to break up your walk around the glamorous surrounds of Faro’s picturesque waterfront.

The harbour itself is one of the most stunning settings in the south of Portugal and it is hard to think of too many better places to watch the sun go down. If you don’t fancy dining out, why not find a nice secluded spot where you and your family can spend some quality time while enjoying a picnic?

Top hidden beaches in Lanzarote

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Friday, 23 August 2013 02:27

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands archipelago, is undoubtedly one of the most popular summer destinations for Brits. It’s not hard to see why – the fantastic year-round sunshine, golden-sand beaches, lively nightlife and accessible resorts make for the ideal family break away in the sun. There’s something for everyone.

The island’s wide variety of beaches are probably the biggest draw, from the idyllic white-sand beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing, surfing spots and secluded coves, which are ideal for getting it away from it all. What’s more, the water temperature rarely gets colder than a balmy 19 degrees Celsius, making for very pleasant bathing, scuba diving and watersports.

The best part is that they are so accessible from the UK – it’s a four-hour flight from most UK airports – and there are a huge amount of all inclusive packages and cheap flights to make the most of all year round. 

Here’s some of the best beaches – away from the crowds:

Papagayo beach
One of the nicest beaches on the island is Papagayo beach, located around six kilometres from Playa Blanca. It is known to be one of the best in the whole of the Canary Islands due to its turquoise waters, fine sand and secluded location. It’s a perfect spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the main resort of Playa Blanca for a picnic and a splash around in the tranquil sea. It’s protected from the wind, as it’s surrounded by tall cliffs, so perfect for sunbathing. You’ll have to bring everything for the day, however as there are no amenities nearby (but for many this is the appeal!). Although remote, you may have to share the perfect crescent of sand in the high season as unfortunately it’s no longer quite such a well-kept secret, but you can also reach the neighbouring bays of Las Mujeres or Pozo easily by car or water taxi.

Famara beach
Famara is another of Lanzarote’s best beaches – a six kilometre stretch of sand in the north of Lanzarote with a backdrop of the imposing Le Risco de Famara cliffs. Sometimes referred to as the ‘European Hawaii’, this coastal strip boasts fantastic waves, making it a very popular surfer hangout. Attracting stiff breezes (it bears the brunt of the trade winds sweeping in from the Atlantic), the beach isn’t ideal for sunbathing but is perfect for watersports, surfing and long afternoon walks. This means you’ll be able to find wide stretches of sand just to yourself and with the surfers taking to the waves in front of you, there’s some good live entertainment! There’s also a host of other activities on offer, from horse riding to windsurfing and even yoga. After an active day on the beach, Caleta de Famara – the small coastal village by the beach – is well worth a visit. With a chilled out vibe, there’s lots of low-key, but great, seafood restaurants and bars to choose from.